PS 3545 

H545 
N3 
1919 
Copy 1 




niiW'itWHiiSTiJ'iltltiJOik!. 



BONAPAl 



AND OTHER VERSE 



,1. WHITE, M. a 





^AE^S 



Class 

Book. -H^^ Xf^ 3 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 




NAPOLEON 
BONAPARTE 



OTHER VERSE 



PAGE 

Wild Lannui 69 

The Home of Beauty 70 



NAPOLEON 
BONAPARTE 



BY 

J. M. White, M. D. 



Tell Farmer Publishing Company 
Meridian, Miss. 



.<? 



•f^.^* 



k^^^ 



\^ 



A 



Copyright, 1919, by 
J. M. White, M. D. 



^^^m 



GLC 51964 



1^* I 



PERSONS REPRESENTED 



Napoleon Bonaparte, 

Emperor of France 

King Lewis 18th, 
Bourhon King 

Gen. Talleyrand, 
Gen. Caulaincourt, 
Councilmen 

Gen. Fouche, 

Minister of Police 

Gen. Bertrand, 
Gen. Druot, 
Gen. McDonald, 
Gen. Cambronne, 
Gen. Delessart, 

French Generals 

Col. Campbell, 

English Commissioner 

Duke d'ENGHiEN 

Count Montholon 

Alexander, 

Czar of Russia 

Scene: In Paris, Island Elba 



Josephine, 

First ivife of Emperor 
afterwards divorced 

Marie Louise, 

Second ivife of Emperor 

Letitia Bonaparte, 

Mother of Emperor 

Sergeant- AT- Arms 

RoAUL, Aide-de-Camp 

Officer of Guard 

Ghost of Duke d'ENGHiEN 

Maid to Josephine 

Maid to Marie Louise 

Officers, Soldiers 

Choristers 

Two Courtiers 



DEDICATION 



To the Reader, this little work I offer with 
my highest regards. 



I would with golden words, bright thoughts untold, 
To you a beauteous sweet song unfold. 
To stern things now turn, I inscribe to you, 
Not all sweet, but some bitter bring to view; 
This rough sketch, or leaves from life of the great. 
The man who trod the battlefields of fate, 
Who bared his bleeding and unbosomed heart," 
He who breathed and moved with majestic art. 
This story should 't please and you read it thru, 
Content am I — Kind Reader, 'tis for you! 

Very sincerely yours, 

J. M. White, M. D. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE 

ACT I. 

Scene 1. — Paris; a street. 

[Enter Talleyrand] 

Talleyrand: Blow, blow, ye wild and weary wingless 
winds, 
Now are the placid waters of this warring 
Sea, starting e'en to lash the rock-ribbed shores. 
Dark war clouds are the blue skies covering, 
And the great eye of day doth darkened veil 
Adorn. In west the carmine tinted clouds 
Hover and linger as if loath to leave 
All beauty from the scene. The low celestial 
Cannonade opes with great volcanic voice 
That doth reverberate along the beach. 
The sea gulls on light wing, seek shelter from 
The approaching storm, and billowy waves almost 
Beat against the clouds. This natural upheaval 
Is simile to man and his ways that in 
These tempest tossed times do seek satisfaction, 
"With plumed Knight and bannered battalions. 
The restless, changeful sea, one day 'tis an 
Innumerable multitude of broken 
Sapphires, another day a misty vast 
Opalescent expanse of restless ripples. 
Now the broad continent of Europe shows 
Her ruffled front against this warring champion. 



8 Napoleon Bonaparte 

[Enter Fouche] 

What think you, General Fouche, of the setting 
Of this broad earthly stage, and have your eyes 
Prophetically seen the portending storm? 

Fouche : Friend Talleyrand, all Europe is roused as 
T'was never roused before, and they mean to 
Now fight, e'en to last man, in this titantic 
war. 

Talleyrand: What think you this man of destiny, 
Man of the hour, this champion Goliath, 
This constellated and colossal Genius, 
This double decked, multipawed Tarantula, 
Who makes the Kings flee from the shadow of 
His swift approaching form? 

Fouche: You do refer 

To Emporer Napoleon? Then judging 
From the inflection of your speech you do 
Not like his Majesty. 

Talleyrand : No, I 'm not married 

To his collossal self esteem. 

Fouche: You do 

Speak truth; Napoleon is sure ambitious. 

Talleyrand: And he would big monopoly form of 
Kingdoms, combine close in a royal trust 
All earthly thrones, elect himself the owner 
And ruler of them all becoming soon 
The monarch of the world. He must be curbed. 

Fouche: How can he be controlled? Have not the 
armed 
Hosts been for years in battle strong with him ? 

Talleyrand: His star of destiny begins to set, 
"Tis ever thus with tyrants.'^ And some day 
Will see the turning point of his blown fame. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 9 

111 aid the warring hosts to bring about 

His swift downfall. There are more ways of 

conquest 
Than by the cannon's mouth. Sometimes not to 
Fight gets results e'en better than to fight. 
[Exit.] 

Scene 2. — A room in the palace. 
[Enter Foiiche and Caulaincourt.] 

Fouclie: How fares my friend Caulaincourt ? I hope 
you 
Are much refreshed after arduous 
Work in the Senate. 

Caulaincourt: I return your friendly 

Greeting and can say that I feel refreshed. 
The coronation was a trial to 
One's nerves, and such enforced excitement was 
Indeed to me an ordeal. Those who 
Remember having seen it will soon doubt 
Whether they waking were or whether in 
Fancy, oft too fond, had formed visions so 
Dazzling in brightest grand appearance and 
That was extraordinary even in 
Its origin and its smooth progress. 
Napoleon and Josephine were crowned 
As Emperor and Empress of France by 
Pius the Seventh, Pontiff of Rome in 
Cathedral of Notre Dame, and it sure 
Was one of most imposing, and too, most 
Brilliant scenes that has e're been enacted 
In France. The Emperor took coronation 
Oath, as usual on such grand occasions, 
With his hand on the Scripture and in form 
Repeated to him by the Pope. But in 



10 Napoleon Bonaparte 

The act of coronation there was marked 

Deviation from custom, and the crown 

Was blessed by Pope and then Napoleon 

Took it soon from the altar with his own 

Hands and placed it on his own brow. He then 

Put the bright diadem on the head of 

Josephine. Heralds now proclaimed outright 

Th' thrice glorious and also thrice august man 

Napoleon, Emperor of France, was then crowned 

And then installed, and just so now ended 

Most dazzling, brilliant pageant that the world 

Has ever witnessed. With much interest and 

Extreme attention I have now observed 

This extraordinary man Napoleon. 

He is thin, pale, with air of great fatigue, 

But not of ill health he appears to me. 

To listen with abstraction more than with 

Interest, and he seems more occupied 

With what he was then thinking than with just 

What was said to him. There is, I think, great 

Intelligence in his fair countenance. 

Along with which may soon be marked an air 

Of meditation which reveals not what 

Is passing on within that thinking head : 

In that bold mind, it is impossible, 

Not to believe that some great daring plans 

Are there engendering which will have their 

Influence on the destinys ofl world. 

See ! He is coming now. Watch his approaching 

Form and majestic tread. He is the most 

Natural and magnetic actor th' world 

Has ever seen, now having this great world 

For his stage ! He soon moves the hearts of men 

As though with magic. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 11 

[Enter Emperor and Josephine from the left 

wing. The Emperor seats the Empress on 

his right, and then takes his seat.] 

[Enter Druot.] 

Emperor : Scarcely have I just entered Paris and 
Had time, nay, one good breathing spell to change 
Greetings with noble consuls and my friends 
Before there comes a rumor of a new 
Coalition that has been formed against 
Me. I hear England, Russia, Austria 
And Sweden, with half million men, now are 
Preparing once again for war. Have you. 
My noble Consuls, heard this bad report? 

Caulincoiirt : I've to remark to your dear highness 
that such 
Report was current on the streets and in 
The Senate yester evening. 

Emperor: And I shall 

Have a plan and be ready soon with its 
Execution to meet just all attacks 
Of enemies, be they e'en great or small. 
Knowledge is power, only is half truth. 
'Tis well to know, 'tis well to have library. 
Both within and without ones head, For what 
Happiness in books, and what pleasures knowing ! 
But such advantages be they never so 
Rich, are not power. They do not make forces 
Which do. They are just educational 
Films which are hung before the mind, thus giving 
Oft times some pleasure and recreation 
But not soon quickening thought. Th ' distinction 
Between the mind just as receptacle, 
A mental elevator and storehouse, 



12 Napoleon Bonaparte 

And as a motor or dynamic force, 
Is e'er to be observed. And when the coal 
Intellectual is put into fire 
Of action power flows, but knowledge which 
Does not e 'en stimulate thought, lead to action 
Is not much power. 'Tis not broad knowledge 
But thinking deep which is world's greatest power 
As it is at this time world's greatest need. 
Infallible are nature's laws. Man's laws 
And science are at times quite fallible. 
It is the man who says, I will do that, 
No matter what the undertaking or 
The task, be it the exploration of 
The frozen regions, of the bleak cold north 
Where the white polar bear paces to and fro 
O'er the smooth glassy surface of the ice. 
Who's fields expanding into one great, vast. 
Bleak waste, just barren of all verdure or 
Living thing, forming such an icy desert. 
A man to be successful must have plans; 
And must be able to act at the proper 
Time, and put his plans into execution. 
Have you, my Noble Councils, heard more of 
Conspiracies against the State of France? 

Druot: I have heard many recent rumors of 
Conspiracies against the life of your 
Highness. One Duke d'Enghien at his castle 
Just in the Duchy o' Baden, is, I think. 
Implicated. 

Emperor: Now these conspiracies 

Must come from my own foes political. 
Druot you will have this same Duke arrested 
And called before me, then let him this charge 
Of dark Confederacy just now answer. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 13 

Scene 3 — A Room in the Palace. 

[Enter Napoleon and members of his Council, Caulain- 
court, Fouche, Druot, A Sergeant -at -Arms, two 
Guards with the Duke d'Enghien prisoner.] 

[Emperor takes his seat up stage in center, coun- 
cil are seated on the right and. left.] 

Druot : We present 'fore your highness Duke d'Eng- 
hein. 

Emperor: Duke d'Enghien, it is my painful duty 
To now inform you that the Court has passed 
Sentence on you, and that you are just now 
Condemned to death. What have you to say? 

Duke d'Enghien: What I have done was, for my 
country's good. 
You, with your great war genius now hath 

caused 
Many a death. My brother's bones now lie 
Bleaching on that bare battle field and many 
A heart is bleeding from wounds caused by 
You. Many women now are widowed, and 
]\[any a child is fatherless because 
Of constant waging of this cruel war. 

Sergeant-at-Arms : Duke d'Enghien, unless you do 
change quickly 
Th' abusive character of your remarks, 
I soon shall stop your talk and limit your time. 

Emperor: Let him proceed. 

Duke d'Enghien: I realize that my 

Life hangs just on a brittle thread and nothing 
I can say or do will change my sad fate. 
Your court has passed sentence and to me 
Has come the day of doom, yet the few short 



14 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Moments that you permit me now to live 

I shall spend as I think best for the good 

Of my dear country, and not for myself 

Or in a selfish way. You are a great 

Man; and you hold the key that oft unlocks 

The lives of thousands. I am not now pleading 

For your clemency. The charge against me 

Was the attempt to soon assassinate 

You, and had I succeeded, that would have been 

The taking of just one life only, and 

Would have been saving then of many lives 

Of my own countrymen and closing war 

For I can read the times and see afar. 

It is the people's fight and Autocrats war. 

Sergeant-at-Arms: Duke d'Enghien, now your time 
limit is fast 
Approaching, you have now a few moments. 

Emperor: Let him finish. Say on. 

Duke d'Enghien -. I thank you, sir. 

For this permission just now to proceed. 
As I was saying, I know that I am 
Now standing on the brink of th ' cold, cold grave, 
Soon to meet face to face my great Creator; 
And whether I go or stay makes not now 
The fraction of a hair's breadth difference 
To me. Indeed, I can smile at death and 
Meet him more than half way when I know that 
My God and my good country will uphold me. 
Give me attention and mark now my own 
Prophecy: There shall come a time some day 
When universal peace shall spread her wings 

'er the world ; savage slaughter mil then cease. 

1 pray for Heaven's mercies on your highness. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 15 

And now I close, I've finished. I bid you 
All farewell, and yet, with the parting breath 
Had I successful been, I would have cried: 
"Sic Semper tyrannis!" 

Emperor: Duke d'Enghien, I was much interested 
In your courageous speech, which shows you are 
A man of valor and conviction strong. 
Had I heard this your speech before your trial. 
Sentence would never have been passed on you. 
And I feel I could almost play the woman 
And weep for you; Indeed I do feel almost 
Persuaded that I could die for you, for 
I just dislike to see a brave man die. 
[Exiient.'] 

Scene 4. — A Street. 

[Enter two Courtiers.] 

First Courtier: Good morning, my good Sir. What 
news is floating on the political horizon and in 
the air of Paris? What are you handing me? 

Second Courtier: How are you? I see you have a 
nasal and olfactory nerve fashioned for news, 
like the nose of a blood-hound that can trace a 
scent for days. 

First Courtier : What are you handing me ? If you 
go to live in the Figis', don't expect to live to 
eat, expect to live to be eaten! My wife asked 
m.e if I would marry her and if she was impossi- 
ble? If I answered yes or no she had me either 
way. 

Second Courtier : Why did you not keep mum ? 

First Courtier: That's what I did, and she said 



16 Napoleon Bonaparte 

silence gives consent! One thing a critic will 
not go up against is the south end of a mule. 

Second Courtier: Can you tell me what a man be- 
comes who has a girl named Lemon? 

First Courtier: Why, he is a lemon squeezer. 

Seco7id Courtier: What's the smallest thing in the 
world ? 

First Courtier : The smallest thing is an atom ! 

Second Courtier: Not correct. 

First Courtier: A vacuum is the smallest thing. 

Second Courtier: True, it is a small thing, but the 
smallest thing in the universe is your brain, Ha! 

First Courtier: To return to our subject — What's 
in the breeze of Paris? 

Second Courtier: You have heard of the French 
victories at Wagram, and of the great slaughter 
of Austrian troops? 

First Courtier: Yes, I have heard about it. 

Second Courtier: And that the Emperor returns to 
Fountainebleau flushed wdth the glories of his 
Austrian campaign, and that the honors of war 
are crowding thick upon him. He is congratu- 
lated by the public bodies of Paris and at the 
palace, as the greatest of heroes who never achiev- 
ed victories but for the good and happiness of 
the world. What kind of tick is the greatest 
pest? 

First Courtier: Why, the cattle tick. 

Second Courtier : No, the kind that disturbs your rest 
at night. 

First Courtier: What is that? 

Second Courtier: The bed tick! 



Napoleon Bonaparte 17 

First Courtier : Now, you are talking news. I would 
ask if you have heard it whispered in the con- 
fines of Madam Rumor, or rolled under the ton- 
gue of neighboring news gossips — " 

Second Courtier: Have I heard what? 

First Courtier: The news that there is to be a sep- 
aration 'twixt Josephine and Napoleon? 

Second Courtier: No, not to say heard it — only that 
the Emperor himself said in an imperial speech 
in which he did describe the events of the past 
year and the State of France. "I and my home 
will ever be found ready to sacrifice everything, 
even our dearest ties and feelings, to the welfare 
of the French people." 

First Courtier : That is a noble sacrifice. 'Tis noised 
About and spoken openly on th ' street 
That there is to be a separation. 

Second Courtier: Can'st thou guess th' cause? 

First Courtier: Well, you know that the rich and 
people of 
Royal blood, as well as the poor and lowly, 
Have grievances; and trouble just like death, 
"Knocks at the palace and the cottage gate." 
As to the cause, I do not know; except 
The Emperor now being weighed with so 
Many big victories on bloody battle 
Field and with honors of state still pressing 
Upon him, also having just arrived at 
The age and circumstance wherein a man 
Craves an heir — legal and a royal heir 
To his estate. 

Second Courtier: How does the lady take it? 

First Courtier : I hear that the poor Lady Josephine 



18 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Is much distressed, not with a noisy grief 
Or one that with explosive sounds does soon 
Shake neighboring big buildings to the base; 
It is not demonstrative, but 'tis that 
Silent and plaintive grief that comes from deep 
Down in the heart where nestles all the ties 
Of life. Have you not heard a bird that seemed 
To be distressed pour out his soul in 
A plaintive song? But we are previous; 
All this is mere talk and the lady can't 
Be grieved before the separation. 
[Exit.] 



ACT II. 

Scene 1. — A Street. 

[Enter two Courtiers.] 

First Courtier: That was a plaintive speech made 
by the Duke d'Enghien. 

Second Courtier : Yes, but it did not save his life. 

First Courtier: He does not seem to fear death and 
the Emperor granted a pension to his family, 
thus smoothing the sentence, which he said could 
not be revoked. 

[Filter Duke d'E7ighien, from Ms arraignment; 
(Sergeant-at-Arms will take him down a flight 
of winding stairs, where he is to he shot) Druot 
and Fouche.] 

First Courtier: Stand by, let us see him. 

Duke d'Enghien: Now all good people, and friends, 
who would in 
Passing thus pause to pity me, or shed 
The crystal tear, think of me as one who 
Loved life and all the beautiful grand world; 
Its georgeous sunsets, sweet contentment and 
Peace under mine own good vine and fig tree. 
When I'm shot, say that he died like a man, 
Not fearing death but pitying those that 
Killed him. Farewell! 

[Exuent.] 



20 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Scene 2 — A Room at King Louis' House, 
[Enter King Louis and Two Courtiers.] 

King Louis: Well, my good friends and my dear 
Courtiers, say 
How seems the elements, and what portend 
The weather signs ? And canst thou, with eye to 
Prophetic vision now read you the signs 
Of the times and tell me how long in days 
Or month, this weary and enforced exile 
Will last, and will there come not soon some 

change 
In this unlucky and ill-tempered fate? 

First Courtier: My good and gracious Sovereign, 
I can say 
I have heard it said of old that there was 
Never a lane so long that did not have 
A turning; your fate may change soon. 

Second Courtier: I see 

In the distance now th* approaching form of some 
Party whose carriage seems like the equipage 
Of royalty; it is I think the lady 
Josephine. She speaks and says that she would 
Desire an audience with your good highness. 

King Louis : What can the lady now desire at my 
Poor hands? Conduct the lady in and I 
Shall hear what she has to say. [Exit Courtiers.] 

[Enter Josephine.] 

King Louis : My gentle lady, what ill wind brings you 
Thus early to the castle of recluse? 
What have I that you'd have, that you would 
want ? 

Josephine: I happened just to be passing here 



Napoleon Bonaparte 21 

And was informed that King Louis was therein, 
And then decided to stop and see you. 

King Louis : I am indeed glad to see you. A rose 
From France would be welcomed by me. I'm sure 
That the chief lady of France is more than 
Welcome to this, my poor and humble bode. 
[They shake hands.] 

Josephine : Thank you. 

King Louis: Pray tell me, my good lady, all news 
from 
Paris, for I'm as hungry for news from 
My country as th' proverbial old beggar, 
Lazarus, hungry was for crumbs that fell 
From the rich man's fair table. This old house 
And its great barren walls are all but prison 
To me; true, I have access in and out 
But quiet 'tis here to me in this little 
Nook, never seeing, and not even hearing, 
A moving or a sounding thing — no, not 
Even the clatter of a horse's hoof; and 
The stillness is just simply stifling and 
Almost unbearable. Speak now, my good 
Lady, how fares Napoleon, your husband? 

Josephine : Napoleon is in such goodly spirits ; 
He now is busy with affairs of France 
That seldom I get to see him, and I 
Feel just now almost widowed. What's the use. 
King Louis, for a woman to be tied 
To her man and lord yet ne'er have a chance 
To even speak to him or hold converse 
In the smooth language of love? Woman's heart 
Needs to be tended, nurtured, and it is 
Just like transplanted flowers that oft need 
To be well watered to make them give perfume. 



22 Napoleon Bonaparte 

King Louis: Excuse me, my good lady, I am not 
Interested in affairs of woman's heart, 
What passes 'tween you and your royal good 
Lord does not least concern me, 'cept that I 
A prophecy have to give you if you 
Will pardon its cold and unvarnished 
Delivery. For it is spoken in words 
Free from bad envy or the low reflection 
Of malice; and I, my dear child, am now 
Starting to be too heavily burdened still 
With the weight of years to e'er speak of others 
In a malicious manner. Now will you 
For a few moments, sit down at the feet 
Of wisdom and then listen to the senile 
Gutterals and prophetic warnings of 
An old degenerate? The foolish must 
To the wise tribute pay. There's ne'er a time 
When good hard sense is not still greatly needed. 

Josephine : What dreadful word is he about to utter ? 
Say on. King Louis. [Aside.] 

King Louis : I would not now with full intent in 
least 
Manner your feelings, wound, or cause to start 
From its accustomed bed the crystal tear. 
However, I feel that I must do my 
Duty; and I will now at once deliver 
To you my pent up thoughts. It is, I think, 
A delicate soft subject to talk or 
Write to a woman 'bout her own dear husband. 
Napoleon is indeed ambitious and 
Begins to feel his royal and high keeping. 

Josephine : Is that all ? And had you no more dread 
speech 
Now to deliver than to say my lord 



Napoleon Bonaparte 23 

And husband is ambitious? That is not 
Saying more than was said of the great Caesar. 

King Louis : My mind has been diverted from its 
course ; 
Again I'd ask the news from Paris? 

Josephme : At night the city Paris soon was lit 
And brilliantly illuminated. All 
Th' Inhabitants were turned out en-masse. 
Night after night sure every house was lighted^ 
The populace was anxious still to show 
Their pleasure at Napoleon's great victory. 
They stood in crowds around the palace and 
Were content if they could catch one glimpse of 
Preserver of France and the hero of Marengo. 

King Louis: This brings me now back to the point 
which I 
Was just 'bout to discuss. Mark these, my warn- 
ing 
Prophecies; When this great lord and your hus- 
band 
Is through with all his plans and gains his ends 
In politics and favors of the French, 
His selfish high ambition's satisfied, 
Then you — mark my words — surely will be wid- 
owed 
Indeed; but it will be green widowed. 

Josephine: What's green widowed? 

King Louis : Is not grass green ? To be plain, I mean 
Grass widowed — forsaken. 

Josephine: How could your highness make such 
dreadful thought 
And prophecy? My husband has ne'er harmed 
You. Well, I must be going. 



24 Napoleon Bonaparte 

King Louis: My good lady will kindly deliver this 
Message to Napoleon which reads thus: 

[He reads the message.] 
* ' You are very tardy about restoring my throne 
to me; it is to be feared that you may let the 
favorable moment slip. You cannot establish 
the happiness of France without me, and I, on 
the other hand, can do nothing for France with- 
out you. Make haste then and point out yourself 
the post and dignities which will satisfy you and 
your friends.'* 

King Louis: Tell him that I fear his progressive 
Usurpation. [Hands her the note.] 

Josephine: I bid your highness adieu. 

[Exit Josephine and King Louis.] 

Scene 3 — A Boom in the Palace. 

[Enter Napoleon and members of his Council, Caulain- 
court, Druot and Fouche.] 

[Emperor takes his seat up stage in center, like- 
ivise the Council are seated on the right 
and. left.] 

Emperor: I have now to address you, my good 
Council 
On matter that pertains to my dear home 
Affairs; and on a former sad occasion 
I made remark that I and my own house 
Will e'er be ready sacrifice to make 
Of everything, e'ev our own dearest ties 
And feelings, to the welfare of the French. 
To me this is a delicate, sad subject 
To now discuss; however, long 'fore I had 
Assumed th' imperial throne, my hopes 



Napoleon Bonaparte 25 

Of offspring from the union with my wife, 
Josephine, were to end. The son of dear 
Hortense Bonaparte, a small infant, whom I 
Had hopes to make my heir, died just in his 
Childhood; and now I find that if I am 
To have an heir to France, I shall have to 
Dissolve this marriage with Josephine, 
And then cast 'bout and try to form soon an 
Alliance with some good imperial tribe, 
At the expense of my own deepest feelings. 
Which I do always give to welfare of 
State. I have soon resolved to, just now 
]\Iyself soon separate from my consort. 
Arrived at the age of forty years, 
I may conceive the hope of living such 
Length to soon elevate in mind and after 
My ideas, children with which it shall please 
Providence to bless me. God knows how much 
This resolution has cost my heart. I 
Should also add that, far from having least 
Complaint, I have, on contrary just side. 
Only had good cause to laud this attachment 
Of my beloved wife. She has adorned 
Fifteen years of my life, th' recollection 
Thereof will always yet stay graven on 
My heart. Consul Fouche, send a messenger 
For Lady Josephine. 

Fouche : The message now 

Shall be delivered for your Majesty. 
I have a note just from the exiled King Louis. 
He speaks bold somewhat 'gainst your Majesty. 

Emperor : Reply to it and tell him that his cause 
Is lost, and that he can't return to France. 

[Enter Josephine from the left wing.] 



26 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Emperor : Soft ! there she comes ; th ' gorgeous bright 
Aurora, 
With glittering and rainbow tinted trimmings! 

Josephine : Did you send for me, my dear lord and 
good 

Husband ? What can be the import of your 

Message ? 
Emperor: The subject matter of my message 

I have to you in private oft revealed. 

Josephine: Nay, I don't understand. What do you 
mean? 
You seem sad. Or, are you ill, my dear lord? 

Emperor: Not so, my lady. 'Tis not physical, 
But 'tis a sad condition that now sits 
Heavily on my heart. 

Josephine: What can be this condition that gives 
cause 
To such expression. I have seen you just 
Before some battle great look much more calm. 

Emperor: If I do parley with her, my heart may 
Soften. I will proceed to business. [Aside.] 

Fouche : My noble lady, I shall now explain 
To you the import of that sad message and 
Then plainly tell you why you were sent for. 
It is a subject that deals with yours and 
The Emperor's own home affairs, as well 
As for the good of France and all the nation. 
I do refer to process of divorce. 

Josephine: Ah! does my husband sanction it? 

Emperor: You must know, my good lady, I have 
mentioned 
The matter of this legal separation 
To you in private and at other times. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 27 

Josephine: Have I not been to you for fifteen long 
Years past a good and loyal wife? And in 
Your hours of trouble, have I not tried to 
Comfort you ? Even when your brow would beat 
With pain, did I not bind and sooth it with 
A gentle, soft caress? 

Emperor: I think divorce from you is just now 
needful. 

Josephine: ''Entreat me not to leave you," to be 
sure 
I am just now a poor, weak woman and 
Know not to buffet with the outside wide 
"World, and for the past fifteen years you have 
Been all the world to me and I have known 
No other world, save my Napoleon. 
''Entreat me not to leave you." Nay, clip my 
Hair and let me be shorn of my locks — those 
Locks which you once did prize ; and then if that 
Does not content you sever from my body 
My own right arm and hand, the one that oft 
In the night hath soon soothed your aching brow. 

Emperor: It pains my heart to do this. 

Josephine: Dismiss it quick from your mind. How 
could you 
Have the heart to make me leave you? Have I 
Not always ministered to your wants? 

Druot : No God-made shrew was ever tamed ? 

[Aside.] 
Fouche: How 'bout those from below? [Aside.] 
Druot: That's begging th' question 

The lady Josephine is of a smooth and 

Even temper. [Aside.] 

Druot : My noble madam, you are dallying 



28 Napoleon Bonaparte 

With powers of the state and me thinks now 
If you would only look at this great subject 
In different light and take not in it 
Yourself, but just remember that so many 
Thousands are now concerned beside yourself 
In this complex and almost weighty matter. 

Josephine: Does my Napoleon, the one I have 

Always thought was mine for life, now say that 
I must leave him? 

Emperor: I can not see a way now to avoid it; 
Divorce will have to issue. 

Josephine: Were it not that I thought there was 
back of 
This some designing knave, who, envious 
Of happiness of others, has now laid 
This plan just to destroy our marital joys 
Forever, some knave with a sinister 
And sly, mean manner, who has worked upon 
Your broad imagination and moved you 
To this — I say, were it not that I thought 
Thus, I would treat your proposition in 
A different way and show you and your 
Dear council that I am a woman with 
Some spirit, that I have resentment strong 
That can just reach the royal or tall head. . 

Emperor: That is a goodly speech! 

Fouche : I beg to ask your highness. 

Shall we proceed to now prepare divorce papers ? 
[Josephine interrupts hy speaking.] 

Josephine : I see now that your minister, Fouche, is 
Mine enemy and that he is exceedingly 
Urgent in this matter. What is it to 
Him, or he to it? 



Napoleon Bonaparte 29 

Fouche: My good lady, you 

Do judge me wrong. I have no personal 
Malice against you, save that I am now 
Looking out for the welfare of the State, 
Again I ask the Emperor if we 
Shall now prepare the papers? 

Emperor: Yes, proceed. 

Josephine : Does my dear husband now consent to 
this? 
And is this his command? 

Emperor: 'Tis for the best. 

Josephine : And shall I go away and never see 
Your face again? I shall weep 'till I'm sick. 
''Entreat me not to leave you," but cut off 
My ears and maim my body for life, and 
Pluck out my eyes — eyes that once you did call 
Your star-light and say that you loved to 
Bask in their beams. Infect me with some loath- 
some 
Disease and let me die by inches, but 
Never tell me to leave you. King Louis 
Warned me of this. I shall leave you, gentlemen, 
To your own councils, for I see you are 
Bent on my ruin. [Josephine leaves the room.] 

Fouche: If we are to get soon this process through, 
We must act promptly. Druot, you go to 
See Lady Josephine, and try hard to 
Persuade her to it. 

Druot: I shall do the best I can. 

[Exit.] 



30 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Scene 4 — The Same. 

[Enter the Emperor and Empress {from the left 
iving) and Councils, Fouche, Druot and 
CauUancourt {from the right.) ] 

Druot: After a somewhat long, extensive talk, 
Methinks that I convinced our most noble 
Empress that for her now, the proper plan is 
To willingly consent to just, fair dictates 
Of her countrymen. 

Fouche: Good! and she now consents to this di- 
vorce, 
And has become 'most reconciled! 

Josephine: Yes, I am reconciled! 

Fouche: Allow me to extend a hand o' sincere 

Congratulation. And the Empress is reconciled. 

[Fouche extends his hand to the Empress, which she 
rejects with scorn.] 

Josephine: Yes, reconciled. As much reconciled 
To this divorce as I am now to death. 
Why do you call me Empress, when you are 
Working all your might to rob me of that 
Title ? No matter now how great the man, mark 
My warning words, this wrong will soon come 

home 
To his dear Majesty, the Emperor. 
I shall write those words with pen of fire and 
Brand them on his soul! 

Druot: I am now pleased to state to the noble 
Lady that if she will now willingly 
Just sign the papers and consent to this 
The council and the Emperor agree 
That title to her of the Empress shall be 



Napoleon Bonaparte 31 

Preserved to her with a pension of 
Three million francs. 
Josephine: Do you think you can tempt me to yield 
up 
My heart for gold or for an empty title? 
I care not to live in a gilded palace 
"Where love is not; I care not to live in 
Heaven, if up there sweet love reigneth not. 
I see resistance from me is now useless; 
I believe I will just asknowledge all 
These sentiments by now consenting to 
Dissolution of this, our hapless marriage, 
Which is an obstacle to the good welfare 
Of France, depriving it of being one day 
Governed by descendants of a great 
Man, so evidently raised now by 
Providence to efface the swelling ills 
Of the terrible revolution and 
Re-establish the altar and the throne. 
[Josephine signs the papers consenting to the divorce 
and starts to go out, Druot stops her while he 
reads as follows:] 

"We, the Council, do heartily thank the 
Emperor and the Empress for the nobleness 
of their mutual sacrifice, and do now accept 
and ratify the dissolution of marriage," 
[Josephine goes out weeping.] 
Fouche : I have to inform your highness that 
The war continues with no interruption 
In the peninsula. 
Emperor : Any further news from the war ? 

Fouche : 'Tis said that in your absence not an inch 
Of soil could be counted by the French beyond 
Their outposts. 



32 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Emperor: We will attend to it and send to 

Them our re-inforcements. [Exit.] 

Scene 5 — A Forest near Paris. 
[Enter Emperor and General Bertrand.] 

Emperor: Bertrand, it is decreed that I shall soon 
Contract alliance with the house of Hapsburg; 
And plans are ready laid to tie the Gordian 
Knot by the simple proxy method; and 
I have become a misanthrope some what 
In the affairs of love. I want deceit 
To be removed from the sentiment 
Of the soul, and this proxy marriage, I 
Will none of it, but will disguise myself 

[Emperor disguises himself.] 
In the guise of a country man and put 
On now our verdant youth's broad innocence, 
Assume and play the country lover with 
The first approaching country maid. 

Bertrand: How now? 

Your majesty is simply jesting; he 
Is speaking through his sleeve; he cannot think 
To stoop or to descend from his high station 
And make love to a maid. 

Emperor: Jesting is far removed from me, for I 
Was never more in earnest; I shall be 
Loved for myself not for my title. You 
Can soon withdraw and watch process from some 
" Neighboring thicket. I shall rest me here, 
[Exit Bertrand.] 
Under the shade of this overspreading great 
Oak, and with listening ear to symphony 
Made by the zephyrs on the leaves will wait 



Napoleon Bonaparte 33 

For the approaching country maid. 
[Emperor is near the left of stage.] 

[Enter Marie Louise and her maid in another part 
of the forest. They enter from the right wing.] 

Marie Louise: [Speaking to maid] 

I am heart-sick with such vain glories of 
The world. It's artifice and it's deception 
I do hate. I am to be married to 
The Emperor Napoleon in order 
To strengthen well the diplomatic kinship 
Of countries. I must sell my heart, I'll not 
Do it, I'll seek some countryman's son for 
A lover and will now disguise myself 
Just as plain country maid and seek the glancing 
Eye and the ruddy cheek of country love. 
[Disguises herself as a country maid.] 
Maid: My lady is sent to be married to ' 

The Great Napoleon, she must not jest 
And act in such a flippant manner. 
Marie Louise : I am not jesting, and to show that I 
Mean what I say, I will in action put 
The thought I've just expressed. You can retire 

[Maid retires] 
And watch the pantomine. I see the form 
Of country man beneath the overspreading 
Tree. As the road goes hard by I will make 
In modesty to pass tho I shall try 
To speak with him. 
[Marie Louise stoops to pluck a violet and sings] 
''Lone and sw^eet a violet grew 

The meadow weeds among, 
A shepherd maid came by, came by 
The meadow lands and sung." 



34 Napoleon Bonaparte 

[The Emperor arises and approaches Marie Louise, 
hoth being disguised.] 
Emperor: Whither art thou traveling, pretty maid? 
Marie Louise: I'm traveling to find a country 
where men 
Do not to the maids oft give flattery. 
Emperor: Well, my dear maid, you can your harp 
hang up 
Onto the weeping willow and let it 
Take up your plaintive cry : ' ' Weep no more my 
Lady." This place is sure from flattery 
Free: for it is false and lives on the dull 
Ear of the listener's purse. 
Marie Louise: I did not know that your purse had 

an ear! 
Emperor: Which can the soonest hear the cry of 
hunger, 
Your purse or false and pompous friendship's 
ear? 
Marie Louise: I see that you are lover of the good. 
Emperor : [ Singing.] 

The false and the true 
Cannot live together; 
One o'er takes his due 
And then comes bad weather. 
In the affairs of heart, my gentle maid, 
I think sincerity and honesty 
Should reign ; for no deception has a place 
In lover's heart. My heart is yearning for 
The true love of an innocent and guiless 
Country maid; such an one do you impress 
Me to be. Would you, for the sake of all 
That's good and true, write on the tablet of 
My mind your name? 



Napoleon Bonaparte 35 

Marie Louise: You do o'erstep the 

measure 
Of my own qualities. My name is Mary — 
A plain name, and a plain maid who owns it. 
Now, would you mind, sir, to tell me your name ? 

Emperor: An innocent deception does no harm. 

[Aside.'] 
Yes, I will with great pleasure give to you 
My name. They do call me John; that is also 
A plain name, and John Angelo sounds better. 
How would you care to have a lover named 
John Angelo? 

Marie Louise: That is a pretty name, sir. 

Emperor: I love the name of Mary; and I love 
The maid named Mary. [Kisses her hand.] 

Marie Louise : I must test your love, 

Can you a big bucephalus ride, or 
A boxing contest hold your own, or measure 
Arms with the sword? 

Emperor : My dear maid, those feats 

are 
My playthings, and I learned them on bloody 
Battlefield. Never test true love by sportive 
Strength, but by constancy you can test love. 
If I'm not constant, as a truly constant 
Thing, then I will not e'er deserve your love. 
Marie Louise : No thing is constant ; if you love 

me and 
Would win my love, you must a pretty good 
Story tell me to charm my listening ear. 
Have you not on some summer's evening seen 
The mocking-bird perched on the spreading 

bough 
Of gaudy garbed and perfumed magnolia 



36 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Tree, and then, pausing for a moment as 
If to get inspiration from the perfume 
Laden air, then begin the prelude to 
His song in low, and soft mellifluous note 
Coming from his heart 'fore it reached the 
throat? 

Emperor: I am no songster and can only tell 
A plain and simple story of how I 
Was in the country brought up, far removed 
From the din and rough battle of the city 
Life. I was used to drive the team afield. 
To act the shepherd, and to tend my father's 
Sheep. I would go down to the babbling brook 
And gather sweet, wild flowers; but this story 
Cannot your tutored ear e'en interest. 
[Emperor pauses,^ 

Marie Louise : Oh ! yes, go on, there 's music in your 
words. 

Emperor: While hunting red wild rose and violet 
I spied a lion that was savage and 
Most vicious beast. He rapidly was tearing 
The carcass of our choice lamb, which he had 
Just slain; now as I was a lad that time, 
Of trained, unusual strength and agility, 
I crept behind him and did suddenly 
Lasso the furious beast, and did quickly 
Tie the slack end of line to th' tree, with eyes 
Still flashing fire, the beastly low and sullen 
Growl of th' enraged beast warned me to retire, 
As I did so he sprang into the air, 
Intending to alight on me, but he 
Came down on bare ground with a heavy thud; 
And his spring so tightened the rope around 
His neck that he seemed dazed. Then I made a 



Napoleon Bonaparte 37 

Sure, quick dart for his side, and plunged to 

The hilt my knife into his heart. I saw 

A scarlet stream gush from the wound, and then, 

Uttering one terrific roar, he turned 

On his side with a few deep labored breaths 

And with convulsive struggles; then was still; 

I knew that he was dead. I must be going, 

I am detaining you. 

Marie Louise : If you love me • 

Do not leave me yet. See how rapid time 
Has flown, and too, your story has proved sweet 
Song to my own attentive ear. I am 
Foresworn to never wed, save to a king. 
That is the sweetest story ever told! 

Emperor: Then wed me and I will be christened in 
The name of king. [Emperor gets close to her.] 

Marie Louise : I will for you break my oath 'fore you 
go; 
And I swear to wed my dear Angelo. 

Emperor: I am foresworn ne'er to wed, save to one 
Duchess, but by the light of thy sweet face 
I swear by all that's good, on land or sea. 
Never to wed, save to my dear sweet Mary. 
Meet me here at the same hour, four o'clock 
Tomorrow. Now, farewell, my love. 
Placing this ring upon your soft, white hand, 
I now await the hour of your command. 
[He kisses her,] 

Marie Louise : Pleasant dreams. 
[Exit.] 



38 Napoleon Bonaparte 

, Scene 6 — A Street in Paris. 

[Enter Marie Louise, stepping out of her carraige, 
her maid.] 

[Enter Emperor Napoleon.] 

Marie Louise : I shall speak to him who bears military 
Shoulders. Knave him still under formal habit 
Of saucy forester. From whence art thou, 
Did you hear? Good eve, gentle sir. 
[Speaking to Emperor.] 

Emperor: I heard 

My gentle lady, for sure seeing is 
Believing, and to hear is to drink music 
Of your soft lips. Dame Nature is profuse 
At giving her good gifts, withholding not 
The smallest or the noblest of her gifts. 
She donates them with generous, broad hand; 
Her stores are infinite, and, too, she scatters 
Them boundless in variety and then 
Bestows them with rare justice and divine 
"Wisdom. 

Marie Louise : Would thou now mention some of her 
Wise givings? 

Emperor: She is architect, with eyes 

Artistic see she takes a lump of cold 
Clay or thin protoplasm and with her magic 
Touch makes midnight threads and locks of black 

hair 
Or by a light tint from the coloring 
Of the blood, she makes Auburn tresses of 
Different shades and grades, thus we have blonds, 
Brunettes with eyes, brow and face to match hair 
All styles of beauties ; there 's the Senoritas 
Of Yucatan and beauties of wild Borneo. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 39 

There is the steel cold gray eye, and there is 
The large, dark lustrous eye, and eyes that are 
So beautiful, so radiant and, too, 
Such wonderful eyes ! Head and then a face 
That is the fairest that the ' ' Sun ere shown 
On;" velvet lips that are the rarest and 
Her virtue is the queenly jewel of her soul. 

Marie Louise : Your voice familiar sounds to my 
Ear. 'Twas on yesterday eve I met in wood 
A country man who had such fluent speech 
And who charmed my ear with his silvery 
Tongue. And I can ne 'er scarce forget the smooth 
Soft cadence of his voice. We both were sure 
Foresworn to wed a royal mate and we 
Our promise did break; I agreed to wed 
This countryman, and he in token of 
His vow gave to me this ring. 

Emperor: Will you, my 

Dear lady, let me see the ring. 

Marie Louise : Yes sir. 

[She givos him the ring.] 

Emperor: I was the countryman who gave to you 
The ring. This is the Archduchess Marie 
Louise I do presume ? 

Marie Louise : Yes, my name is 

Marie Louise. Who is the voluble 
Gentleman with whom I am now conversing? 

Emperor: My name's Napoleon Bonaparte, and 
I am so glad to have the pleasure of 
Meeting you. 

Marie Louise : And I, too, am happy to 

Meet you. Your Majesty's print pictures have 
Not done you scantest justice. 
[Exit Emperor, Marie Louise and the Maid.] 



ACT III. 

Scene 1 — A Street in Paris. 
[Enter two Courtiers.] 

Courtier Second.: How fares my giant brained 

friend ? 
Courtier First: I am well. What are you handing 

me? 
Courtier Second: A simple twist of the wrist. I 

have health but no money. 
Courtier First : As Pat would say, would you kindly 

let me know when I am dead? 
Courtier Second: Why, you are dead now, but you 

don't know it! 

I bought this large hunk of meat. 
Courtier First : Why did you not buy a coat instead 

of meat? The coat would keep you warm. 
Courtier Second : Well, you see, my back will extend 

to me credit, but when I ask my stomach for 

credit, it says, No, no, never! 

Would you say the hen is setting or the hen is 

sitting? If a hen cackles has she been laying or 

is she lieing? 
First Courtier: I don't know. Have you news? 
Courtier Second : I always have a good stock of news. 

No doubt you have heard of the royal wedding. 

Would you care to hear it retold? 
Courtier First : Yes, say on. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 41 

Co^irtier Second : Berthier represented the Emperor 
and in March the Archduchess gave her hand to 
Berthier as proxy for the Emperor. As her car- 
riage was proceeding to Soissons, Napoleon ap- 
proached to it, and introduced himself to his 
proxy bride. She exclaimed, "Your Majesty's 
pictures have not done you justice." Then soon 
follows a religious marriage at St. Cloud. It was 
a brilliant wedding and you could not elbow your- 
self through the crowd. They were so dense if 
you tried to scratch your own leg, there was dan- 
ger of a scratch to your neighbors; and if you 
tried to blow your nose, or nose it, there was 
danger of blowing the other fellow's big pro- 
tuberance ! 

Courtier First: A gentleman should not scratch his 
leg or blow his nose on such occasions. 

Courtier Second: Nor breathe, nor swallow, nor 
ruminate, but just stand with his mouth open 
and gaze! Thus his majesty contracted an al- 
liance with the House of Hapsburg, against whom 
he had fought an hundred battles. Methinks he 
has set his foot on a big abyss of roses and has 
driven his team to a goat's house for wool; I 
fear the Emperor will soon regret his marriage 
with Marie Louise. Napoleon knows how to se- 
lect an army, but knows not how to select a wife. 
[Exit.] 

Scene 2 — The Same. 

[Enter two Cotirtiers] 

Courtier First : We are now met once again. 
Courtier Second: And so we are. 



42 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Courtier First: What are you handing me? 

Courtier Second: A simple twist of the wrist. 

Courtier First : You have come to take your stand 
and behold the Lady Marie pass from her wed- 
ding ? 

Courtier Second: Yes, 'tis well for the people this 
day to show forth their joys in sights of honor 
and glad celebration of patriotism. 

[Trumpets.} 

Courtier First: The trumpet sounds, stand close, 
the Empress comes. 
[A lively flourish of trumpets, then pass.] 
[The order of the procession] 

1. General Fouche, Minister of Police. 

2. Choristers singing. 

3. General Bertrand, bearing a scepter of gold; 
General Cambronne, bearing a rod of silver 
with tri-colors. 

4. A canopy borne by four officers; under it 
the Empress in her robe; in her hair richly 
adorned with diamonds. 

5. Certain ladies' maids, with plain circlets of 
gold with flowers. 

Courtier Second: A georgeous train and happy 
hearts, believe me. I know the Minister of Police. 

Courtier First: General Bertrand bears the sceptre 
of gold, Cambronne bears the rod of silver. Come, 
go in with me and let us discuss this royal pro- 
cession. 

Courtier Second: Agreed, we will go in. 

[Exit] 



Napoleon Bonaparte 43 

Scene S—A Room in the Emperor's House on 
the Island of Elba. 

[Enter Letitia Bonaparte, Mother of the 
Emperor, and the Emperor.] 
Emperor: Camouflage is the game of war, for it 
With the morale, is sure a goodly winner. 
''The battle is not to the strong." 'Tis now 
A battle of our brains and intellect. 
Audacity, audacity is my mascot, 
Subtle plans, sudden action is the secret 
Of success on the bloody battlefield. 
I am reserved with others, but to 
My mother, I confide and tell my plans. 
It's a reflection on the race of man 
To say that now your only man friend is 
A woman, and that woman is your mother. 
How now, my mother dear, how fares your health? 
Letitia Bonaparte: As well's could be expected save 
that my 
Dear son's affairs bear heavily on me. 
Emperor: I can't remain here, and I cannot die 
On this island and terminate so soon 
My own career in dull unworthy rest. 
Besides, the want of money would soon leave 
Me here, exposed to mine enemies, 
You know also the allies have withheld 
My pension, and their own compact with me 
They do now violate ; nor do I yet 
Receive from out the Bourbon Court my dues; 
Complaints to them are not considered. 
And my funds are now being rapidly 
Depleted, and I now begin to need 
Necessities. I am obliged to sell 
Every luxury and comfort round 



44 Napoleon Bonaparte 

To raise means to meet current days expense. 

Talleyrand, Wellington, and Metternieh 

Are now discussing how to get rid of 

The man of Elba; and the ministers 

Of the Vienna Congress have just now 

Suggested that I shall be taken to 

St. Helena. And that determines me to 

Act, as I will be well received by 

All the French people, who are being treated 

Now with contempt by Louis Eightenth. What 

Have you to say? 

Letitia Bonaparte: After some deep reflection, 
have to say: 
Go, my son, go fulfill your destiny. 
You will, perhaps, fail, and your failure may 
Be followed soon by your death, but I see 
With sorrow that you can't remain here long. 
Let us hope that Almighty Arm of God, 
Which encompassed and protected you 
Amid so many battles, will save you once more. 
Knowest thou not the Hand that reached forth 
And gathered a few grains of cosmic dust. 
Which by it's magic movement was soon made 
To grow into a nebulous mass that 
Heaved to and fro, and its sides began 
To take the form of this great earthly globe? 
This Hand can hold you in it's hollow. 
Lord God Almighty doeth all things well! 

Bertrand: I have a message for your Majesty; 
That is, McFleury de Chaboulon has 
Arrived with a secret message and 
Requests that I deliver it forthwith 
To your Majesty. [Delivers the message.] 

Emperor : Ah ! this from Maret, Duke of Bassano ; 



Napoleon Bonaparte 45 

He wants me to quit Elba at the earliest 

[Reads the ^nessage] 
Moment. I have to say, my generals, 
That I'm determined to quit Elba and 
Let us make ready by collecting now 
Eleven hundred soldiers, of whom there 
Are just eight hundred still of our Old Guard. 
Three hundred also of light infantry; 
These men know not of this projected scheme 
Or enterprise. I would remind you that now 
Colonel Campbell, who has been on watch 
O'er Elba for the English has Ferrajo left 
And gone to Leghorn. 

Druot: This seems now an op- 

portune 
Time to take our departure, as the cruisers 
Will be so easy to deceive. 

Emperor: I will have laid embargo soon on all 
The vessels in the harbors of Elba; 
Cut off communication with the sea; 
Thus will keep our preparations secret. 
Bertrand, j^ou must now order ordinance 
Officer Vantini to seize the largest 
Vessel now lying in the port, which with 
Inconstant, of some twenty and six cannon, 
And six craft, into which we will now soon 
Embark our men. Bertrand, you execute 
These orders. [Exit Bertrand.] 

Now, Druot, you will see that 
My staff and 'bout three hundred soldiers are 
Now ready to embark aboard the ship, 
Inconstant, and you will attend to it 
Just at the proper time. 

Dniot: I shall attend to it. 

[Enter Bertrand.] 



46 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Bertrand: I beg announce to you, our Majesty, 
Your orders have been executed. 

Emperor: You will now summons just a few of 
soldiers 
Before me. [Exit Bertrand.] 
Druot, can you get ready soon the men? 

Druot : I can prepare them quickly, 'cause there is 
Just simply luggage and their armament 
Which, with their uniforms, can shortly be 
Collected. 

[Enter Bertrand with Soldiers.] 

Emperor: [Speaking to the soldiers.] 

Grenadiers, w^e are going to France. We 
Must march to Paris. My own countrymen 
Will welcome you and me, the people of 
France, nay, just twenty million souls who now 
Are being treated with contempt by their 
King Louis, will soon welcome our return. 
They know and will recall that cause of men 
Who have been faithful and fought for them on 
The battlefield. ]\ly Grenadiers, we are 
Paris bound. And we must embark on ships. 
Order Bertrand, all men to now embark. 
[Exit Bertrand.] 

Soldiers: [Cries of Paris or death!] 

[Exit all except Letitia Bonaparte] 

[Enter Colonel Camphell, British 

Commissioner.] 

Col. Camphell: How fares my Lady Bonaparte? 
How sits the quiet breezes of the bay on 
Your damask cheek and on your heart? 

Letitia B.: I am 

Well sir, I like the quiet and repose 
Of this island. 



Napoleon Bonaparte 47 

Col. Campbell: When did the Emperor 

And his troops their departure take? 

Letitia B.-. So long 

Ago as it would take an old weak lady 
To fill a pipe and watch fantastic and 
Curling waves of blue smoke ascend and then 
Vanish above her head, continuously 
With puffs th' ingredients of pipe's round bowl 
Are then transformed into flaky embers. 
Thus in the pipe of death the ethereal soul 
Is made ascend to climes beyond the skies; 
And then the body is transformed to dust. 
Or, as time is oft reckoned by laced web 
Of the wild Spider Architect who weaves 
Encircling palace web, supporting it 
With stays — Now, just so long a time, dear Sir, 
As it would take him to rebuild his web. 

Col. Camphell: That is a bright description, but 
'tis not 
Instructive. Can you tell me, my good lady, 
Whither he is bound? 

Letitia B. : My son, now is reserved, naturally 

Keeps to himself his plans, and his swift coming 
And going, I have long since learned not 
To question. What he tells free, openly, 
Receive I freely, but now into his 
Deep plans I make no scrutiny. 

Col. Campbell'. This old lady knows more than she 
will tell. [Aside.] 
Well, my good lady, I see that it is 
Useless to try to make a low informer 
Of you. To say a woman can't hold her 
Tongue, simply is false. I bid you adieu. [Exit.] 



48 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Scene 4 — In a Defile at Laffray. 
[Enter Bertrand and Druot.] 

Bertrand: I can see one battalion of the French 
Infantry drawn up into battle order. 
The youth, Delessart, is at their head, and 
Among these soldiers many are good men 
Who have fought for years under eye of our 
Good Emperor. And tjiey are waiting for 
Their former General to now approach 
"Who has an outlaw been declared by 
The King of France, and this battalion has 
Orders to now arrest our Emperor 
And him prevent from reaching Paris. 

Druot : Now see the Emperor has just dismounted. 
[Enter Emperor.] 

Emperor: I shall walk up and down the road and 
look [Looking through his glass at the 
soldiers.] 
Through my glass at this French battalion just 
Before me. I see they are soldiers of 
The regiment fifth with that young Delessart 
Commanding. 
Druot : Parleying is our Officer of Guard 
Now with Delessart. 

[Enter Delessart and Camhronne, Officer 
of Guard.] 
Delessart: I am determined to do my duty. 

And if you don't withdraw forthwith, I will 
Have you arrested. 
Officer of Guard, Camhronne: But will you fire? 
Delessart: I will my duty do. 

[Enter Roaid, Aid-de-Camp of Napoleon] 



Napoleon Bonaparte 49 

Boaul: [Addressing French soldiers] 

The Emperor is marching upon you. 
The first shot, if you fire will be for him. 
You'll answer for it soon before your country 
And the broad nation of France. [Aside] Not a 

soldier 
Moves; not a murmur is heard. Like a row 
Of dumb stone images stand the troops. 

[Enter the Polish lancers, advancing to encircle the 
battalion, and the hear shins of the Old Guard 
come into sight.] 

Emperor: Now, soldiers of the Guard, reverse your 

arms. [The Guard, obey hy placing their 

muskets under their left arm.] 

Officer of Guard: [Speaking to Emperor] 
We are now in great peril, facing as 
We do a strong battalion of armed men. 

Emperor: When you are in great danger, just be 
calm, 
Calm and serene. Sir! for God is in heaven 
Above you. 

Soldiers of the fifth regiment, do you [Advances] 
Recognize me? [Still he moves forward and 

opens his surtout.] 
Now I bare my breast; let any man 
Who will, shoot his Emperor, here I am! 

Soldiers: [Shouts from soldiers] Yive 1' Emperor. 

First Soldier: I wore this tri-color at Austerlitz! 

Second Soldier: I wore this at Marengo! 

Emperor: [Speaking to Delessart] 

My friend, who made you chief of battalion? 

And who made you captain? 



50 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Delessart : You, Sir ! And now 

I do surrender to you my sword. 

Emperor: I accept your sword. 

Emperor: [Addressing the battalion — only a few 
soldiers being in sight.] 
My soldiers, I am coming 'mong you with 
A handful of brave men, because I count 
On the good people and on you. Throne of 
Burbons is illegitimate, because 
It has not been raised by our great nation; 
Your fathers now are threatened by return 
Of tithes, and privileges, feudal rights. 
Is it not true citizens? 

Soldiers: Yes! Yes! [CJwrus of troops.] 
Emperor: My soldiers, we have not been conquered. 
Two 
Men raised from our ranks, have betrayed our 
Laurels, their country, their prince, also their 
Benefactor. In exile I still have 
Heard your voice. We ought to forget that we 
Have been the masters of the world; but we 
Ought ne'er to suffer foreign meddling in 
Or interference in our own affairs. 
"Who dares pretend be master over us? 
Take up again the eagles which you followed 
At Ulm, at Austerlitz, at Tudela, at 
Eckmuhl, Essling and at Somlenxk Moskow; 
Soldiers, come now yourselves range under the 
Broad banners of your old chief. Eagle with 
The nation's colors true shall fly from steeple 
To steeple 'till it reaches to the towers 
Of Notre Dame. In your old age, be honored 
Surrounded by your fellow citizens, 
And you shall be heard with respect when you 



Napoleon Bonaparte 51 

Recount your high deeds ; you shall then say with 
Pride, ''I, too, was one of that greatest army 
Which entered twice within the stone walls of 
Vienna. Which took Rome and Berlin and 
Madrid and Moscow and delivered Paris 
From domestic treason, occupation 
Of strangers." You shall make a glory which 
Shall not fade way. I have arrived once more 
'Mong you, despite all obstacles and in most 
All perils. I have just returned from Elba, 
And am for Paris bound ! 
We will pay the price, if it is to go 
Naked in the bleak wind or to walk weary 
And footsore thru the desert; to go thirsty 
With dry, parched throat and bleeding lips, or if 
Thru gaunt and stalking hunger, yearning for 
A crust of bread, or sleepless thru the bitter 
Cold or the fiercest heat, thru flood, blood, flame, 
Thru fire, we will go over the top to 
Victory! Nay, if it's to die, we'll pay 
The price for Liberty! [Exit.] 

Scene 5 — hi the Palace. 

[Enter King Louis and General McDonald.] 
King Louis : What news from Outlaw Bonaparte ? 
McDonald: Not good 

News. The grenoble guards would not the gates 
Open, and Bonaparte blew them apart. 
The people could not bring to him the city 
Keys, brought the shattered gates instead. 
At Lyons bridge I had soon to retire. 
And did with haste take my swift leave for Paris. 
King Louis: Cannot you make a stand with your 
battalions 



52 Napoleon Bonaparte 

At Melum? 

McDonald: To make stand is simply useless. 

King Louis: Then I'll this night throw down my 
crown ; 
For of what service is a pearl to swine? 
He cannot eat or drink it and has no 
Big admiration for the sight of it. 
I will throw down my palace and then my 
Kingdom, for of what service are they now 
To me? I now had rather be the owner 
Of a good pair of legs than this bedecked 
Crown, I had rather have good wind just now 
Than own a palace; I would rather be 
A live tramp than a cold, dead King. 

McDonald : Be a producer, see the glorious sun ! 
He hangs in space and unsupported by 
The smallest hair save by that force unseen, 
Unknown, which is now called gravity, 
In his swift course gives forth warmth, heat and 

light. 
He glows and glows and yet is ne'er consumed 
Producing, yet he is consuming nothing; 
Could you make such a light — just a small light ! 
Which would glow and glow and ne'er be con- 
sumed ; 
Thou art consumer, 0' 'berger cheese and beer, 
A maker — a factory o' bad odors. 
Your eminations would stampede an army! 

King Louis: ''Actions speak louder than words.*' 
yet judge not 
A man just by his actions, judge by his 
Heart, for the heart is window to the soul. 
Age takes the sparkle out of man, when you 
Are old, and toothless, everybody is 



Napoleon Bonaparte 53 

Against an old man, he cannot to gibes 

And scorns about his age reply, it is 

Pitiful, an old man has no come back. 

Throw out the red light danger sign of age! 
McDonald: Be not too soon alarmed. 

The Emperor's troops are crying "Paris bound." 
King Louis: I'm gunshy, I'll go while the going is 
good! 

I '11 take no risks, I 'm off this night, Lisle bound. 
[King Louis departs.] 
McDonald: I'll soon o'ertake you, we will make 

For Netherlands. [Exit.] 

Scene 6 — A room in the palace of the Tuileries. 

[Emperor sitting on his throne. Enter members of 
the Council: Fouche, Caulaincourt, Bertrand 
and Dniot.] 

Emperor: Gentlemen, it is sure disinterested 
Good people who have brought me back now to 
My capital, it is the subalterns 
And soldiers that have done it all. 
My reasons were for leaving Elba : Failure 
To pay my pension and the violation 
Of treaty of Fontainebleau, and that 
Assassins had been sent to Elba for 
Express bad purpose of soon killing me. 
Last year 'twas said that I recalled the Bourbons, 
This year they do recall me ; so, we are 
Even. With such small handful of men we 
Have marched from one Kingdom end e'en to 
The other. Taken full possession of 
The throne — and that, without the shedding of 
Even one drop of blood. 



54 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Caulaincourt: I am so happy to congratulate 
Your Majesty on your return to your 
Throne, and I do believe I voice the will 
Of fellow Councilmen when I do make 
These short remarks. This brings to mind, you 

will 
Remember, that between the first and twentieth 
Of March our Emperor fulfilled that strange 
Prophecy in which he said victory 
Would march at charging step, and that would fly 
The royal eagle, and not pause, from steeple 
To steeple to the towers of Notre Dame, 
Even to dome of palace of Tuileries. 

Councilmen: "We all welcome the return of our 
Emperor. 



ACT IV. 

Scene 1 — A Room in the Palace, 
[Enler Consuls Fouche, Druot and Caulaincourt.] 

Fouche: How fares iny noble councils? 

Druot: I am well, thank you. 

Fouche: I hear of wars and rumors of wars. I 
Have made appeals most earnest and persuasive 
To Emperor to now refrain from entering 
Into campaign of swift aggression 'gainst 
Russia. Alexander's minister 
Was ordered in the first of April 
To then demand withdrawal of the Northern 
Troops and together with the evacuation 
Of the fortress in Pomerania, 
In case the French state should entertain 
Still a wish to negotiate. Napoleon 
Keplied that he was not accustomed 
To regulate the distribution of 
His forces by suggestions of a power 
Foreign to him; then th' ambassador 
Did soon demand his passports, and quit Paris, 

Druot : The Emperor seems very confident 
And entertains no doubt of his success. 

[Enter the Emperor and Empress.] 

Emperor : How are you, my dear lady, after such 
A lackadaisical indulgence in 
The social rounds of our French capital? 

Marie Louise: I am as bright as new Napoleon coin. 



56 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Emperor: We must prepare at once to take leave of 
Paris, as I must now join that Grand Army. 

Marie Louise : Your Majesty does not intend to leave 
So soon his royal wife for field of battle? 

Emperor: I must now bid my loving wife farewell. 
[Extends his hand, to the Empress.] 

Marie Louise: Are you, dear husband, now to leave 
again ? 
Give me a long and sweet caress, for I 
Fear that I will ne'er see your face again. 
[Empress lueeps.] 

Emperor: Yes, my dear royal lady, I must be off; 
I will embrace you tenderly and then 
Give you farewell caress. [E7nhraces and kisses 

the Empress.] 
I do appoint my royal wife, the Empress, Regent. 
Farewell to my noble Council. 
[Exit Emperor.] 

Caidiancourt: ''Weep no more my lady." [Speak- 
ing to Empress.] 

Marie Louise : I must as I do feel so sad and lonely, 
There comes on me sense of impending trouble. 

Cauliancourt: You know the Emperor's oft lucky 
star 
Of destiny still hangs o'er him. 

Marie Louise: And yet I feel it plainly as though 
voice 
From heaven had told me, or sure as sun 
Will rise that I will never see my royal 
Husband again. [Exit.] 



Napoleon Bonaparte 57 

Scene 2 — Emperor's tent. 

[Enter Ghost of Duke D'Enghien.] 
[Emperor Sleeping — Stormy.] 

Ghost : While in the grave I had reposed some space 
Of time. We do not number time as you 
Do on earth; any rate decay had just 
Begun to leave its mark on coffin lid, 
Which made it easy to escape confines 
Of that dark cell, and worms were feasting 
On my poor body. I could hear the sawing, 
The clanging of this seething maelstrom of 
Teeth and worms that were chewing on decay 'd 
Flesh of my body. Suddenly I sank. 
At first, just slowly, then rapidly, 'till 
Traversing deep, vast gulf that was, it seemed, 
Dimensionless, I did alight into 
A large room that was joined by another 
Large room. 'Twas lit and furnished in great 

splendor. 
The walls and ceilings were in burnished gold, 
And there were flowers radiant with beauty, 
Altho they seemed to give forth no perfume. 
To one side there a man sat, least he had 
Features that did resemble some men. His 
Smile was more grin than smile. I wished to ask 
Him if the place was heaven, but the look 
Of him aw'd me to silence. He passed out. 
A lady beautiful did now appear; 
Her face bore marks of sadness. I asked her 
To name the place and person who had left 
The room. She said: ''You're in the vestibule 
Of Hell, and his satanic Majesty 
Just passed out and now returns." 
That gave me courage then to speak to him. 



58 Napoleon Bonaparte 

He grinned and eyed me as if to say: "I 
Have got you ! ' ' Wishing to learn more of my 
Fate, I told him it seemed a pleasant place. 
He grinned and said, "Yes;" but soon the scene 
Had changed. I dropped down to a fathomless 
Pit of lurid, sulphurous flame. The heat 
Of the sun is six thousand centigrade; 
The heat of the great distant sun we call 
Saturn is near two hundred thousand of 
Centigrade heat degrees, and would a warm 
Hell make. The heat of that place from whence I 
Came can not e'er be measured; and compared 
To it, this Saturn's climate is a cold 
North pole. Still sleeping on the eve of your 
Great doom! [Speaking to Emperor.] 
Josephine, your divorced wife, warned you 
That her ill-treatment would return to you. 
*' Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." 
I would I could sing you a soft low paean 
Praising past greatness of Napoleon. 
"What I say surely will come to be true, 
Misfortune's hand will shortly visit you. 
\ Emperor starts up. Exit Ghost.] 

[Enter Bertrand.] 
Emperor: What is the hour? 'Tis long past mid- 
night. I 
Had an unpleasant dream. They oft do follow 
On bad digestion; else 'twas apparition. 
This ghostly spirit says that I will lose 
In the incoming struggle, I'm disturbed, 
Tho I will keep it to myself, always [Aside] 
Appearing just calm and serene. 
Bertrand : Your Majesty now seems calm and serene. 
[Enter Talleyrand, Caulaincourt.] 



Napoleon Bonaparte 59 

Talleyrand: I have to say now to your Majesty 
That I will volunteer and go to Paris 
And ascertain if it is possible 
For you to interpose in treaty. 

Emperor: You may proceed. Caulaincourt, you 
may go 
At once to Paris and just see about 
The treaty; meantime notice Talleyrand [Aside] 
As I'm suspicious of him. 

Caulaincourt : I will do your command. [Exit.'] 

Scene 3 — A Room in Hotel. 
[Enter Alexander and. Talleyrand.] 

Talleyrand: Good morrow to your Majesty, I am 
Talleyrand, and come from Napoleon 
Ostensibly to ascertain now if 
'Tis yet just possible for him to in 
Treaty soon interpose; but the real purpose 
Now of my coming is desertion and 
Then the joining of the forces of Allies. 

Alexander : I am glad to meet you Sir, and I think 
I have before heard that name — Talleyrand. 
We are glad to have you join our Allies ; 
Perhaps you can give us some valuable 
Information about his Majesty, 
The Emperor Napoleon. 

Talleyrand : I am 

Now at your Majesty's command. I say 
Napoleon and his men are now at 
Fontainebleau, and I would suggest that you 
Treat no more with Napoleon, and that 
You should demand his abdication soon. 

Alexander: Think you that it is opportune to now 



60 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Demand quite soon from him his abdication? 
Talleyrand: I do, indeed; his men and officers 

Are much demoralized, and now you can 

Return the Bourbons to the throne. 
Alexander: That is 

My own decision. 
Talleyrand: Caulaincourt is now coming; don't ad- 
vise 

Him of my own desertion. [Exit Talleyrand,] 
Alexander: Who comes there? 
Caulaincourt: 'Tis Caulaincourt, the messenger of 
France 

From Emperor Napoleon. 
Alexander: What is the subject of your message? 
Caulaincourt : The Emperor now wishes to know if it 

Is possible for him to interpose 

Now with you in peace treaty? 
Alexander: You can say to the Emperor 

That I shall treat no more with him, and that 

His abdication v/ill soon be demanded. [Exit.] 

Scene 4 — A Boom at Malmaison. 

[Enter Josephine and her maid leading her,] 

Josephine sings: 

Somewhere in France the sun is shining. 
Somewhere the winds are wild leaves shaking, 
Somewhere a lone wife is declining. 
Somewhere in France a heart is breaking. 
All things shall fade and die; 
All that dear love and all that gold e'er gave 
Leadeth on down to death. 

Maid : What can I do for my dear royal lady ? 

Josephine: Time was that I was lady of good royal 



Napoleon Bonaparte 61 

Blood, but that time has passed never to 
Return. Soon my sight shall grow dim and my 
Poor life's low flickering taper go out, then 
Lay me down in peace. 
Remember me to his dear highness, tell 
Him his hurts and misfortunes hurt and grieved 
]\Ie, and although unqueened he once did have 
A queenly love; and cover me with rare 
Flowers that token to the wide world that 
I was a chaste wife, tell him in death he 
Has my best blessings. 

The fragrance of the flowers is sweet perfume 
Of your breath. And at summer sunsets, thru 
The rifts of golden clouds, and in my dreams 
I see your face. In wailing of the winds, 
In whisper of the waves, I hear your voice ! 
Some day, some time, some bright and golden day 
I shall say not "goodnight," but on some bright 
Georgeous sunrise shall give salute of th' morn! 
[Exii.] 



ACT V. 

Scene 1 — Napoleon's Caynp. 
[Enter Emperor and Caulaincourt.] 

Emperor: What said the Czar about the treaty? 

Caulaincourt : He 

Says he will no more treat with you, and now 
They do demand your abdication, and 
Nothing can be arranged 'till you have made 
A formal abdication. 

[Enter General McDonald.] 

Emperor: How now is McDonald, our good Mar- 
shall, 
And does he wish to speak with me? 

McDonald: I wish 

To speak now to your highness and inform 
You that if you refuse negotiations 
On the smooth basis of your personal 
Abdication, and then persist in risking 
Attacks on Paris, we will not e'en then 
Accompany you. Talleyrand's remark 
That Marmot's watch just ran a little faster 
Than the rest, was true. 

Emperor: Alas! Have I come to this? Talleyrand's 
Desertion and low perfidy were no 
Surprise, for I know men to cold deep core, 
And find the core is often much decayed 
And steeped in low baseness and deception. 
I find my officers and men whom I 
Have favored are now filled with this high 



Napoleon Bonaparte 63 

Fever of swift desertion, and are now 
Abandoning the ranks, and leave me to 
Mine enemies. When times were good and we 
Were prosperous, and yet victorious 
How they did hang around me close and sing 
My praise; and now misfortune comes to me, 
And now the balance of fate hangs low down 
Onto the leeward side, how they do sneak 
Off in the dark and then desert my ranks. 
When we were sailing on a calm, smooth sea 
And there were no waves tossing to obstruct 
The passage of our ships of war, and w^ere 
Winning victories and still gaining battles, 
We had friends then in plenty; but soon as 
The yawning mouth of dark adversity 
Comes trooping close on our heels, 'twas then 

friends 
Do vanish and fade as the golden leaves 
Of early autumn. I had hoped to 
Establish soon a grand and glorious state 
And government, with Paris as the Capitol 
And leading city of all Europe, and with 
The name of our French nation known the world 
Over, but now I find my dreams of National 
Grandeur and swift advancement are now fast 
Vanishing. Farewell now to our vain honors 
Of the field and the glory of the jewelled 
Crown! And you say, McDonald, that you will 
Not follow me? 

McDonald: I say that not myself 

Alone, but others will not follow you. 
[Exit.] 



64 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Scene 2 — The Same, 
[Enter Napoleon, Caulaincourt, Bertrand.] 

Emperor: How fares my friend, Caulaincourt, and 
what news 
Bears he from Paris? 

Caulaincourt : Your friend is well, but 

The news is not good news; your Volunteer 
Messenger, Talleyrand, had not the sooner 
Entered the presence of the Czar than he 
Began to tell all that he knew about 
Your plans, and did forthwith his own desertion 
Offer up to the Czar, I see that knave 
And diplomat called Talleyrand now coming. 
Be on your guard with him, he bodes no good. 

[Enter Talleyrand.] 

Talleyrand: How now fares my good friend, the 
Emperor? 

Emperor : I am well but not fair to false friends, for 
Now I have just received the news of your 
Perfidy. 

Talleyrand: Time is coming when there shall 
Be peace — peace, universal, and this poor 
Man's fight and rich man's war shall stop. 
The bears have bade the eagles rest and now 
Are watchful, waiting time to get their prey. 
Down with this bloody, cold Autocracy, 
Up with the banners of Democracy 
And let the people rule. Might don 't make right ! 

Emperor : I say the ultimate of problems can not be 
Settled in such serene of fashions. There 
Are issues so deep and abiding that 
The sword alone can trace the final judgment ; 



Napoleon Bonaparte 65 

Issues there are that no Amphictyonic 
Council, though it spoke with divinest wisdom 
Can ever settle. 

Talleyrand: Now partition of 

France would be such a crime against the world, 
To now dethrone the Bourbons would be crime 
Against thrones. Now say I a tyrant is 
My Country's foe! You soon shall be dethroned! 

Emperor: This hounding shall stop. Come on Sir! 
we shall 
This argument now settle, for behold 
I have a sword, the blade Damaskus Steele, 
The point so sharp that it would split in twain 
A hair of such perdurable toughness. 
It has done me good service on the battle 
Field. Come on, Sir ! no longer squander time 
And words. 
[They fence, the Emperor wounds Talleyrand.] 

Talleyrand : I'm wounded, but not killed. 

Caidainconrt: Now be becoming to good men of 
rank. 
Put up your swords. 

[Exit — Talleyrand is borne out.] 



Scene 3 — The Same. 

[Enter Emperor, Bertrand, Caulaincourt and 
Montholon.] 

Caulaincourt: I have a message to your highness 
from 

The Empress Josephine, delivered to 

Me by the maid. 
Emperor; What is the main import? 



66 Napoleon Bonaparte 

Caulaincourt: She said ''remember me to his own 
dear 
Highness. Tell him that his hurts and the bad 
Misfortune hurt and grieved me, and though 
Unqueened, he once did have a queenly love; 
And cover me with sweet rare flowers that 
Are tokens to world that I was a chaste 
Wife, tell him in death he has mj'- best blessing/' 

Emperor: What is undone may be done, ''What is 
done cannot be undone." 
What is the thought of man, Bertrand? 

Bertrand: It is 

Like the wind, I know not from whence it came. 

Emperor: Normal thought is due to reaction 'tween 
Thyroidin and the protoplasm of brain 
Cortex cells. This reaction does produce 
Nerve force. Or sets free some potential 
Nerve force stored in the cells. This vital process 
Is called thought. It does consist, first of 
Apprehension ; and second, of reasoning as by in- 
duction, algebraic method and by equations, the 
geometrical method, or by deduction, method of 
reasoning by calculus. Third, judgment, which 
is a form of nerve force or nervous activity, which 
is said to inform or illuminate the will, the organ 
of which ontogenetically, is the Pituitary Gan- 
glion. 

There is a higher personality 
Abiding in the living brain and makes 
There habitat or earthly citadel. 
It is the living or immortal soul. 

Bertrand: Then if your thyroid is removed your 
Thought will stop? 

Emperor: Manufacture of thought will 

cease 



Napoleon Bonaparte 67 

And your brain, or thought factory, will stop. 
Bertrand, I have the State done some good 

service, 
1 have won just 'bout eighty battles and 
The glories of the battle field have come 
On me, what are vain glories of the world? 
For there soon comes a drouth, a withering 
And parching drouth, in which these blades and 

blooms 
Of worldly glory do fade and soon wither. 
How parched and dry now seems this barren field. 

Berti'and'. Sir, you have sure done our State some 
good service. 

Emperor: Bertrand, I have been master of the 
world, [Emperor takes poison} 
And soon I shall descend into th ' cold ground ! 

[Enter Montholon.] 

Ha! Montholon, my Montholon, farewell; 
My Montholon, a long farewell! I'll take 
A last and lingering look at bright blue sky, 
Which at night, shows the blue star-decked dome 
The jewels and gems of the bannered blue. 
Just some fair flecks of glory flowing through. 

Montholon: The Emperor has poison drank, call 
quick 
A doctor. [Aside, speaking to Bertrand.] 
Cannot I help you some way? 

Emperor : No, I am past all help ; No, no, and shall 
I never see her sad sweet face again? 
Nevermore, nevermore, nevermore. Cold is 
Creeping up my limbs. I see in the distance 
A beautiful and deep clear crystal river, 
And just on other side are pastures green 



68 Napoleon Bonaparte 

With everblooming flowers, I shall cross 
Over the river and rest under the shade 
Of the trees. [Sivoons away.] 

Mo7itholon : The doctor shall arrive and soon we shall 
This raveled sleeve of care knit up, for this 
Good human bark is beached on the cold shores 
Of dark adversity. We shall restore him soon 
To life. I just heard him, say he would not 
Stay here for all the gold of Ophir. Come, 
Let us now wake him from a deep repose. 
[Exeunt.] 



WILD LANNUI 

'Twas nineteen years back in the distant past, 

A bloody war there was, that seemed to last 

As long as blood did run in the Sioux veins; 

The field was filled with deep and bloody stains. 

'Twas on the battle field of Bended Knee, 

Between our infantry and cavalry 

And that bold Indian tribe of the Sioux braves, 

Who risked their lives until there were filled graves. 

The soldiers' bullets fell as thick as rain. 

The men were shot and killed and th' squaws were 

slain. 
Of all of those who did survive this awful war, 
Was a little child that the bullets failed to mar. 
The gallant troopsmen named her Wild Lannui, 
Which in the Sioux means Wild Bird from the sky. 

The mother's lifeless arms the child embraced. 

In life a guard, in death protection placed, 

A mother's love unselfish to the last, 

Protecting e'en when life itself is past. 

Wild Bird was found pressed to her mother's breast. 

The mother motionless in a final rest. 

Her matron eyes could not see nor her tongue express 

What her face and arms told of the last caress. 

But the thrills and cadence of a liquid note 

Seemed to come down from a heavenly angel throat: 

"Oh please, kind whiteman, spare, oh spare my child! 
My life counts not a straw in th' forest wild, 
But as for thee, thou child of innocence. 
By what sad fate wast thou thus nurtured hence! 



Thou did'st not choose so soon the battlefield, 
'Twas not thy choice that so to fate thou'd'st yield! 
Oh, search where you may this illustrious gem, 
This God-made star in heaven's diadem, 
Search where you may, I pray, if you have bent, 
Look o'er the West, or the gorgeous Orient, 
And you shall find no sweeter songster heard. 
Than this the black haired beautiful Wild Bird!" 

—J. M. White, M. D. 



THE HOME OF BEAUTY 

There is a place that treasures the sweetness of the 
swift melting snow. 

And gathers forever the fleetness of the sunbeams 
gleam and glow. 

The bloom and blossom of flowery skies are taken 
each Autumn away. 

And carried to their homes in paradise where they can 
never decay. 

The flowers and fragrance that faded and vanished 
in Autumn from view. 

Shall grow in a garden unshaded with colors crimson- 
ed anew. 

The eve-light that lingers and far-beams o'er the 
broad blue ocean. 

And the light of little star-beams, shall be brought 
near and felt with devotion. 

The night without shadow, silence without gloom, the 
hour most loved in life. 

All beauty and blessings shall cower tho' unreached 
in the world of strife, 

The landscape here bordered with beauty and bright- 
ness far beyond our gaze, 

Shall be brought near and felt with a lightness un- 
known in mortal days. 

—J. M. White, M. D. 



